Christian Novel Studies Guides and Books

Similar to the Progeny Press study guides is this series of guides from Chris Roe of Christian Novel Studies. The literature guides are extremely well done, emphasizing Biblical principles and Christian character traits. Each begins with a short biograpical sketch of the main character(s), and some background information about the time period. Pre-reading questions and activities help familiarize students with the setting and characters involved. A section of "During Reading Activities" gives you a selection of activities to use as students read through the book; activities like tracing journeys on maps, keeping journals on some aspect of the book, researching more about a background topic relating to the book, doing character comparisons, etc. Then, each chapter in the study guide is correlated to a chapter in the book; providing vocabulary exercises, ideas for discussion and writing, a reading activity, and extension activities. The discussion questions are thought-provoking and range from simpler comprehension-type questions to interpretive questions. The questions provide an excellent avenue for comparison between Christian and non-Christian characterizations and actions. Reading activities focus on different literary constructs and ideas, giving the student a good background for high school studies. Sample topics (from my review copies) are foreshadowing, symbolism, analogy, fact vs. opinion, main conflict, dialogue and characterization. Extension activities take students beyond the book, often including scriptural research, comparison or content. Many involve the student in drawing, artwork, or other hands-on activities. Each guide concludes with a "More About" section furnishing further insights (and insightful questions) that reveal more about the main characters and a section of Post-Reading Questions and Activities. This last section contains wonderful questions and interesting activities to use as concluding projects, reports, or recaps of the stories and lives of the characters. Again, much thought went into the construction of these; there's no "fluff" here! The author estimates that each book/study guide will require about three weeks to complete, if all the work for a chapter is completed in one day. Unconditionally recommended. Study guides are available for several popular series of books; read on for more details!